Advent 2024 – “Come, Let Us Adore Him”

Advent Week 2: Passion

12/8 – 12/14

During the first week of the Advent season we focused on Preparation and Hope. During this second week we turn our focus to Passion and Peace. Passion is contagious. It is like a roaring fire that sets whatever comes into contact with it aflame. The gospel accounts reveal that John the Baptist was a passionate messenger of God “preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins” to prepare the first century Jews for God’s arrival in and through Jesus (Luke 3:3 NIV). Hundreds of years before John was born and his ministry began, a prophet foretold that when the Lord arrives, “he will be like a refiner’s fire or a launderer’s soap” (Malachi 3:2 NIV). The sinful nature within each of us that negatively impacts our relation with God, self, others, and creation, prevents us from living in peace. Thanks be to God, Jesus came to refine and cleanse us so that relationships could be restored and we can be formed into the people God intended and created us to be. This week invite the Holy Spirit to set your heart, mind, and soul aflame for the Lord with a burning passion similar to John the Baptist. Trust the Spirit of the Prince of Peace to guide you into confessing, forgiveness, reconciliation, and living as a peacemaker this Advent and Christmas season as preparation for Jesus’ return and the new year ahead (Isaiah 9:6; Matthew 5:9).

 

Week 2 Daily Hymn:

O Little Town of Bethlehem

Listen to the hymn, sing or play it if you’re a musician, or read the lyrics to prepare your heart, mind, and soul for time with the Lord.

 

Week 2 Bible Verses to READ:

Sunday – Malachi 3:1-5

Monday – Isaiah 40:1-5

Tuesday – Luke 1:5-25

Wednesday – Luke 1:57-66

Thursday – Luke 1:67-80

Friday – Luke 3:1-6

Saturday – Philippians 1:3-11

 

Week 2 Daily Prayer:

You are encouraged to let the daily Bible verses guide your prayer before you conclude with the one from the United Methodist Book of Worship for this week:

 

Merciful God, you sent your messengers the prophets

to preach repentance and prepare the way for our salvation.

Give us grace to heed their warnings and forsake our sins,

that we may greet with joy the coming of Jesus Christ, our Redeemer,

who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,

one God, now and for ever. Amen.

(The Book of Common Prayer, U.S.A. 20th Cent., ALT.)